Can you have my back for a little bit?

[basilandthyme]

I've been on this menopause journey. Mostly the HRT fixes stuff, but the sex drive has plummeted. And this is a really shitty thing for me - didn't think it could happen in my mid 40's. Been to the Dr for advice and he thinks that perhaps the SSRI antidepressants aren't working with the post menopausal body and it's time to switch to another kind which has less sexual dysfunction as side effects.

So, as of tomorrow, I'm stopping the SSRIs and starting on a new style antidepressant. The theory is that the new one will catch me as I fall off the old one. But I'm a bit worried about the transition. If I start to act out of character or be mean to people (who don't deserve it), can you please pull me up on it?

thanks in advance....and hoping this message was unnecessary.

[Valixy]

I hope it will work just fine for you. Maybe you'll feel even better than expected. Fingers crossed :-)

[basilandthyme]

Thanks Valixy. I am really hoping that the transition will be easy and the results will be an improvement. Have also added some books about fixing libido to my bedside table. One way or another, this is going to get fixed

[Rowen]

I have your back, basil, whenever you need it. *hugs*
Everything is going to work out fine, and remember that we're all here for you. The doctor wouldn't have prescribed the new ones if he didn't think they'd work, right?

[KingZ]

If I start to act out of character or be mean to people (who don't deserve it), can you please pull me up on it?

I would never.

However, I'd like to remark that you put way too many spaces after your sentences. Mother of God.

[Wakeup]

Ahhhhh menopause. The cry when you're mad and yell when you're sad kinda state of mind. Been there, done that.

Because of the breast cancer history in my family I wasn't able to take HRT and even though the mood swings were brutal (I'm sorry honey) my sex drive went through the roof which I think made up for the crying jags... he's still here so I guess we weathered THAT storm. However the doc put me on paxil to help with the mood swings and then my sex drive plummeted so I went off it and just took what the health food store recommended (valerian root) for the hot flashes and mood swings. It did help and it didn't screw with the libido.

Hang in there, Basil. It DOES get better ... eventually.

[smackie9]

I fixed it by increasing my beer consumption. Sleep like a baby now

[Exeter19]

hope your new meds help you out, basil. and if you feel like your mood isn't good do what i do and don't log in at all anywhere, go out and do something active instead.

[lalalita]

What are they switching you to? Is it no longer an SSRI?

[basilandthyme]

Thanks all for your support. It means a lot to me

And a couple of specific replies:

Exeter, I tend to realise I should be off the computer only after I've put my foot in it.
KingZ, typing school back in the late 1980's taught me to put two spaces after a stop. You'll have to argue with my muscle memory to change that one.
Lalalita, I'm starting on agomelatine which is not an SSRI. [url]http://www.depression.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=125&I temid=130[/url]

[hatesthis]

Has your doctor been tapering you off the old before he gets you on the news ones? I think you might experience some issues, I know my aunt did.. but I'm sure you'll cope well and I never saw you be mean on here, you give honest advice, what most people need to know and hear, IMO. But if I see you snap a bit I'll let you know. Hope the transition goes well.

[basilandthyme]

Hatesthis, I'm coming straight off the old one and straight onto the new one. The theory is that the new one will catch me as I fall. I too am a little concerned about the whole cold turkey issue....which is why I'm doing this thread.

[KingZ]

I too am a little concerned about the whole cold turkey issue....which is why I'm doing this thread.

Amphetamine user here. Sometimes it's humbling to take some time with yourself without any drugs. It's sobering; grounding.

Can't speak to the SSRIs, though. Despite my long history with a large catalog of drugs, those things scare the shit out of me.

[basilandthyme]

>>Sometimes it's humbling to take some time with yourself without any drugs. It's sobering; grounding.<<

And leaves me completely unable to care properly for myself and my family. This wasn't a choice I made lightly

[KingZ]

Just curious, how much do the SSRIs cost you in Australia?